Portsmouth Loose Tea 125g

Initially made for the people of Portsmouth but now loved globally, Portsmouth Loose Tea 125g is a blend of Assam Broken Pekoe Teas. The renowned Indian state of Assam predominantly produces Black Teas of unparalleled smoothness and maltiness; Portsmouth Tea is no exception. 

In fact, this Tea goes one step further in a multitude of ways, including its health-promoting properties. When consumed as part of a healthy and active lifestyle, this Tea can boost the metabolism, enabling the body to burn fat quicker and more efficiently; lower “bad” LDL cholesterol, thus improving cardiovascular health; and even reduce the risks of developing numerous chronic conditions, notably type-2 diabetes and potentially, though studies are only preliminary, cancer. Whatever your reason for choosing this brew, you have chosen exceptionally well.

But the question begs: why Assam? Aside from tasting great, Assam Tea has a truly fascinating history. Unlike Chinese Tea, which first surfaced some time 5,000 years ago, Indian Teas such as Assam Tea only date back around 200 years. In the world of Tea, this is a “new brew”!

Before the 19th Century, no one thought Tea could grow in India; however, in 1823, a Scottish merchant and adventurer named Robert Bruce discovered a variety of the Tea plant, later dubbed Camellia sinensis var assamica, growing in Assam. An Indian Tea Industry was born soon after.  

In time, the Industry grew and grew until becoming the giant it is today. It gave rise to hundreds of different Assam Teas from dozens of Tea Estates spread out on either side of the river Brahmaputra. Portsmouth Tea is one such example, one we’re particularly proud to stock.

Type of Tea: Loose Leaf Black Tea.

Origin: Assam, India.

Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water and infuse for 3 to 5 minutes.

How to Serve: Milk, sugar, honey or lemon - the choice is yours! Alternatively, serve black.

Tasting Notes: Rich, sweet, malty - these words best describe our Portsmouth Tea.

Colour in Cup: Coppery liquor, light in tone.

Health Benefits: In addition to the aforementioned health benefits, this beverage can also enhance cognitive function. A study conducted at the University of Singapore and published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition saw some 2,500 aged 55 (or over) tested to measure their cognitive function. The experiment was repeated 2 years later, with the results indicating that those who drank two to three cups of Black Tea a day, regardless of the type, had a 55% lower chance of developing cognitive decline.

Those who drank six to ten cups, on the other hand, had a 63% lower chance. A 2016 meta-analysis likewise supported the frequent consumption of Black Tea for reduced risks of cognitive decline, stating that: “Daily Tea drinking is associated with decreased risk of CoI, MCI and cognitive decline in the elderly”. Could one’s morning cuppa’ help the estimated 750,000 people in the UK currently suffering from Dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease? Quite possibly, though more studied are needed.